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South Florida Crime

MIAMI (CBSMiami) – What started out as a burglary in Miami-Dade County turned into a high-speed pursuit late Tuesday morning and ended with a spectacular crash of a Mercedes E-Series sedan in Broward County.

The pursuit began near the Golden Glades and the Palmetto and ended up at the Broward Boulevard exit from I-95.

Along the way, the car lost a front tire and rode only its rim as the driver swerved across all lanes and onto the shoulders trying to evade other motorists and police.

Eventually, the driver lost control.

The car spun, crashed into a guard rail, went up on two wheels and crashed into another car on the exit ramp, leaving heavy damage to the back of the bystander’s car.

The car ended up in a bed of bushes along the exit ramp of Broward Boulevard in Ft. Lauderdale.

Two of the suspects jumped out of the car immediately after the crash and split up. They ran away in an effort to evade police but that effort failed.

Law enforcement quickly apprehended all three within minutes of the chase coming to an end.

Miami-Dade Police say the three were wanted for three home burglaries in southern Miami-Dade County.

The family of one of the suspect’s identify him as 17 year old George Westbrook. Police confirmed the arrest of Westbook and say he is charged with Residential Burglary, Criminal Mischief and Grand Theft.

The other two suspects, Brandon Atwell, 19, and Jermaine Williams, 21, are expected to face similar charges.

Westbrook’s family told CBS4’s Joan Murray that they saw the chase on TV and rushed to the crash scene.

Westbrook’s mother says her son left in the morning with two friends in the Mercedes.

Westbrook’s brother says he has trouble walking and doubted his brother was involved in any crimes.

“It’s all a misunderstanding,” C. Westbrook tells CBS 4.

Westbrook’s grandmother says she doesn’t know what to think.

“It’s impossible. You don’t know what these children are doing. It’s sad, young children only 17 years old,” said Catherine Westbrook.

Police could be seen removing an Apple monitor and keyboard as well as a pillowcase full of goods and two bags of evidence.

According to Miami-Dade Police’s arrest form, Westbrook admitted to the burglaries and retraced his steps back at the homes he and the two other men allegedly burglarized.

Meanwhile drivers on the Broward exit ramp where the chase ended were stuck in traffic for nearly an hour while police cleaned up the scene.

“It’s terrible. My patience ran out. I’m trying to get off and get where I’m going,” said Roosevelt Walters.

Police say they are questioning a juvenile and two adults and charges are pending.